Subeditor of a local Janaarpan weekly, Ajay Gorkhali, was attacked by local representatives for reporting about the executive meeting of the municipality on Friday (September 6) in Gaidakot Municipality.
According to Gorkhali, the representatives attacked journalist Gorkhali, arguing that he recorded their statements in mobile. They also seized his mobile phone and diary.
Mayor of Gaidakot municipality, Chhatraraj Poudel, however, apologized over the incident, saying, he owned the moral responsibility. He said the incident took place when he had just left the meeting.
Freedom Forum condemns the incident as it is gross violation of press freedom. It is worrying that people's rep who are expected to be friendly to journalists for transparency in their activities, attacking journalist is abhorring. Hence, FF strongly urges local authorities to respect journalists' right to free reporting and ensure secure atmosphere for their profession.
For further information;
Freedom Forum
Thapathali, Kathmandu
Post Box No: 24292
Phone No. 4102030, 4102022
Website: www.nepalpressfreedom.org; www.freedomforum.org.np
Email: monitoring@freedomforum.org.np; info@freedomforum.org.np